GUITAR HERO the Story of KU’S RICK VITO

Home , Bonnie Bramlett, Golden Bear (nightclub)

KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Winter 2013

GUITAR HERO The story of KU’s RICK VITO. page 9

2013 HOMECOMING LIVE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST SCHAEFFER DEDICATION COCA-COLA COLLECTORS THE END OF AN ERA

Kutztown field hockey showed promise in its first year under for 15 years, Wesner helped, in part, to bring women’s ath- head coach Marci Scheuing this fall, but the team still felt the letics to its current standard of success. In addition, while presence of its legendary predecessor, Betty Wesner. When serving on field hockey committees in the Pa. State Athletic Scheuing took the reins, she maintained contact with the KU Conference (PSAC) and National Field Hockey Coaches coach of 33 years. After all, she might not be here in Kutztown Association (NFHCA), Wesner played a pivotal role in the without the contributions of Wesner. development of Division II field hockey as a whole. “That’s what drew me here,” Scheuing said. “I knew what Still, most importantly, her impact was felt by all of an amazing job she did after playing against her team for four her players. As a coach, her interactions with student- years (at Mansfield). You want to follow somebody like Betty athletes helped to build young women and create lasting with a program that’s been taken care of for so many years relationships. by a great coach.” “I think the thing I miss most after retirement is the In her 33 seasons, Wesner finished with a 344-257-15 record. interaction with the student-athletes,” Wesner said. This allowed her to retire as fourth all-time in NCAA Division II Fittingly, the program paid honor to Wesner and her family wins, while her .571 winning percentage ranked seventh in by hosting the Joshua W. Wesner Tournament in September Division II at the time of retirement. and held a ceremony for their longtime head coach. However, along the way, Wesner did much more than “I feel blessed that the team feels the way they do just lead the field hockey program. Serving in the uni- about me, my son, my family and the coaching staff,” versity’s athletic department as a compliance officer Wesner said. CONTENTS Winter 2013

FEATURES

LIKE A ROCK 9 From humble beginnings in Kutztown to sharing the stage with legends, Rick Vito follows his dream.

IN THE LINE OF FIRE 12 Miriam Amie ’76 has spent three decades in the middle east. 12 24

DEPARTMENTS

4 NEWS AND NOTES 14 BACK TO CLASS WITH ... Bill Bateman & Randy Schaeffer ’72

16 KU FOUNDATION UPDATE

19 CLASSNOTES 20 Dr. Ronald Horvath: A Leader in Education 22 An Artist’s Legacy ON THE COVER 24 Preserving Pennsylvania’s Rick Vito warms up in Schaeffer Auditorium German Heritage COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY HUB WILLSON ’71, CLASSMATE OF RICK VITO WHO ALSO PERFORMED Opposite page: Betty Wesner is saluted by WITH HIM IN THE 70s. the 2013 KU field hockey team before its “Pink Out” for breast cancer awareness game Homecoming weekend. 14

KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT OF KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY: DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING: Tower magazine, issued December 2013, is published by Kutztown University, a F. Javier Cevallos Jennifer Umberger member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The Tower is published two times a year and is free to KU alumni and friends of the university. ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY MARKETING/ COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & DESIGN & PRINT MEDIA: Address correspondence to: Kutztown University, Office of University Relations, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: Camille DeMarco ’81, M ’01 P.O. Box 730, Kutztown, PA 19530 or email [email protected]. Telephone: 610-683-4114 John Green DESIGN: DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT: Gipson Studio, LLC — Linda Gipson Submissions for Classnotes may be sent to: [email protected]. Alex Ogeka CONTRIBUTORS: DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS: Adam Dobrowolski M ’14, Athletics Broadcasting Graduate Assistant Matt Santos M ’03 Bryan Salvadore ’10, M ’12, Sports Information Director Esther Shanahan M ’16, University Relations Editorial Graduate Assistant ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS/ Photographers – Susan Angstadt; Doug Benedict; Jason Cline ’14; TOWER EDITOR: Adam Fegely ’16; Dan Z. Johnson; John Secoges; Jeff Unger; and Hub Willson ’71

PHOTO BY HUB WILLSON PHOTO ’71 David Johnson NEWS AND NOTES New Open Spaces Beautify Campus

College Hill Memorial Grove, university’s creation of a formerly known as Bell Plaza, was 9/11 memorial new heating dedicated May 9 in memory of and a celebra- plant on the those students, faculty and staff tion of the outskirts of who have died. The concept of anniversary of campus. The the grove came from students who Dr. Martin old plant and wanted a place to hold memorial Luther King garages were ceremonies and to honor classmates Jr.’s epic “I demolished and friends. have a dream” and construc- The area, which is located speech. tion on the between Stratton Administration Golden Bear new plaza Center and Old Main, is shaded Plaza was dedicated Oct. 5 as part took place over the past year. by large oak trees and appears much of Family Day. It sits on the former Some of the highlights include like it did 100 years ago. The bell site of the vehicle fleet garages lighted outdoor basketball courts in the center of the grove was dedi- and the coal-fired power plant, and a refurbished barbeque pit, cated by the class of 1910. It rang which was erected early in which was originally located behind in the Old Main clock tower for the 20th century. At that time the Risley Hall. The barbecue pit many years before it was replaced area was the southernmost part of (pictured above) was a gift to the with an electronic system. campus. As the college expanded university from the Class of ’44 The name “College Hill” was over the next 80 years, the plant and was used for tailgates for first used in the late 1920s as a became closer to the center of football games into the early ’90s. postal address and as a common South Campus. The bronze golden bear statue, term to identify the campus. Prior The reality of transforming formerly located in South Dining to 1928, when KU was known as this area into an open plaza began Hall, stands proudly at the plaza’s Keystone State Normal School, the to take shape in 2006, with the center. area was known as “Normal Hill.” College Hill Memorial Grove has already been the scene of the

Right: Guido Pichini ’74, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors and KU trustee, joins Briana Berry ’15, Residence Hall Association president; Avalanche; Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, president, Kutztown University; and Nick Imbesi ’14, Student Government Board president, at the dedication of Golden Bear Plaza.

4 TOWER | Winter 2013 Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet Sharon Olds Visits KU

Internationally renowned poet Sharon Olds visited Kutztown University and read from her work on Oct. 24. Olds also held a master class with students to discuss the current state of liter- ature in America. Olds is the author of eight volumes of poetry, Renowned Pianist Sandra Rivers most recently “Stag’s Leap,” for which she Holds Residency at KU won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and Steinway artist Sandra Rivers held a three-day residency at Kutztown became the first University in early November. Her visit included a lecture on racism American to win and sexism in classical music, a piano master class, and a special con- Britain’s T.S. Eliot cert with the Kutztown University Orchestra, under the direction of Prize for Poetry. Dr. Timothy Schwarz. Often credited as One of the first African-American students at the Juilliard School of one of contemporary Music, Rivers taught in the New York City public school system for three poetry’s leading years. During this time she was held at gunpoint twice and was put voices, Olds was the under “protection” by a gang who escorted her from the subway to New York State poet laureate from 1998 to the school. While teaching, she won Best Collaborative Artist at 2000 and teaches creative writing at New York the Tchaikovsky Competition, making her one of the most sought University, where she holds the Erich Maria after pianists of her generation. Remarque professorship.

Golden Bear Softball Plays for National Title

Riding an unprecedented 14-game winning streak, the Golden Bears softball team made a postseason run all the way to the Division II National Championship Game last spring. Led by seven All-PSAC East players, including divisional athlete of the year Brianna Knipe ’14, the Golden Bears began their streak with a pair of wins to close out the regular season. The run included the school’s first ever PSAC championship under head coach Judy Lawes and ended with an extra-inning loss in the national championship. KU now owns back-to-back appearances in the Division II National Softball Championships.

Winter 2013 | TOWER 5 NEWS AND NOTES A Renaissance at the Heart of KU

Cutting the ribbon are, L to R: James C. Zellner ’86, president of the KU Foundation Board of Directors; John (Jack) Wabby ’69, KU trustee; L. Charles Marcon; State Senator Judy Schwank; Martha Hafer ’02, honorary co-chair, Setting the Stage, the Campaign for Kutztown University; Dr. William J. Mowder, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; and William F. Ribble ’73, co-chair, Setting the Stage, the Campaign for Kutztown University, and member of the KU Foundation Board of Directors.

6 TOWER | Winter 2013 Dedicating the new Sadie Snyder Hippenstiel & Elizabeth Hippenstiel Marcon Platz are, L to R: Ruth Marcon; L. Charles Marcon; Tracey Thompson, executive director, KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement; and Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, president, Kutztown University.

n September 10, Kutztown University celebrated the grand reopening of the newly renovated O Schaeffer Auditorium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Approximately 400 faculty, employees, students, retirees, donors and community members attended the event (4). The renovation, which cost $20 million and took approximately 18 months to complete, preserved the stately beauty and historic integrity of the original building. New features include a 23,000 square-foot expansion, enhanced seating, stage lighting, music classrooms, dressing rooms, 3 reception space and a small theater (3). The main auditorium (5) has 826 seats, a high-tech enclosed sound and lighting room and a new entryway. The L-shaped expansion features two large rehearsal halls (2), a 90-seat ‘smart’ classroom and an elevator connecting all levels. Guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony also attended 6 a dedication for the Sadie Snyder Hippenstiel & Elizabeth Hippenstiel Marcon Platz (1). The platz, which is an 1 outdoor plaza that features a fountain, is located between Schaeffer and the Sharadin Arts Building. Attendees threw a penny into the fountain at its dedication. All change collected from the fountain will be used to fund student scholarships. After the ceremonies and tour of the newly renovated building, KU Presents! launched its 25th season with a performance by world-renowned dance company, Momix (6).

PHOTOS BY JOHN SECOGES

5 4 6

Winter 2013 | TOWER 7 NEWS AND NOTES From 1973 to 1987, Coach Baldwin taught hundreds of Kutztown student-athletes about football, leadership and about life. In the 57 seasons of KU football prior to Coach Baldwin’s arrival, the team record for wins in a season was six. Under George Baldwin, the 1977 squad went 7-2. Seven wins is still the third-winningest season in team history, and remained tied for the school record until 2010. From 1895 until 2010, only one KU A testament to Baldwin’s football coach ever success is his placement won a title – that was record — he sent several Baldwin and his 1980 players to the National squad, which won the Football League, including Eastern Division of running backs Bruce Harper the Pennsylvania State and Doug Dennison, and Athletic Conference and played in the state wide receiver Andre Reed. championship game. A former U.S. Marine who served during World War II, Baldwin was a man of multifaceted talent – in addition Greg Bamberger, KU to his coaching responsibilities, he taught classes, served director of athletics, Remembering a Legend as the director of recreation and intramurals and wrote (right) presents a ball, a book, “Call Me Coach,” which was published in 1996. signed by the 2013 football team, to the The Kutztown University Foundation & Alumni Above all, he was a family man, and stressed the impor- Baldwin family. Coach Engagement Office held a memorial service for former tance of family and the necessity of balancing time Baldwin passed away KU football coach George Baldwin, on Saturday, Sept. 21 between the demands of coaching and being with his on July 4, 2013. in the newly renovated Schaeffer Auditorium. University wife, Marillyn, and children. officials, former players, coaches and family members Baldwin was inducted into the Kutztown Athletics Hall gathered to honor Baldwin’s legacy of excellence. of Fame in 1993.

Rehearsal Hall Honors Work of Retired Music Professor

The Kutztown University Department of Music dedicated the Richard G. Wells Rehearsal Hall on Sept. 28 before the 40th anniversary of the Graduate Organiza- tion of Bands (GOB) concert. The room, located in the newly expanded Schaeffer Auditorium, was named in Wells’ honor to acknowledge the impact Wells has had on music at KU and his students. Wells was an associate professor of music from 1968 until his retirement in 1997. He was the director of the marching, concert and jazz bands as well as several other instrumental ensembles. Wells is credited with the development and implementation of the jazz studies program at KU. L to R: Dr. Richard Wells with his wife, Elizabeth Wells; Josée Vachon, He continues to be active as a member of the GOBs and directs the Kutztown KU’s first lady; and Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, president, Kutztown University, outside the rehearsal hall named in Wells’ honor. University Alumni Jazz Band.

8 TOWER | Winter 2013 FEATURE LIKE A

ROCKFrom humble beginnings in Kutztown, to sharing the stage with legends, RICK VITO follows his dream.

BY: GARY MAYK

(CONTINUED + NEXT PAGE) PHOTO BY HUB WILLSON PHOTO ’ 71 Winter 2013 | TOWER 10 Left: Rick Vito performs on stage in Schaeffer Auditorium in October. Below: On stage with Bonnie Raitt. Right: Posing with Fleetwood Mac for a promotional photo in 1988.

RICK VITO, who attended KU from 1967 to 1971, was playing rock ‘n’ roll bands,” Vito recalled. “There were great DJs in Philly – guitar at a recording session less than a year after leaving school Jerry Blavat, Hi Lit, Joe Grady and Ed Hurst. With all when the Rolling Stones walked in. the rhythm and blues they played, I was exposed to a lot of great music. And Wildwood was just jumpin’ as far as entertainment.” “The producer was Jimmy Miller, who produced the Stones, too,” Vito explained. “It was exciting when the Stones came in. Even at home, music infused Vito’s life. His mother, Irene, Here they were, full of compliments about my playing – and I played Hawaiian guitar. “So when Elvis came along, I just had learned everything from them.” grabbed her guitar and started wailing,” Vito said. His parents bought him a Stella six string and called in Frank fter nearly 50 years in the music business, DiPrima, his uncle, who played in New York pit orchestras. the largely self-taught Vito is still learning “I wasn’t a very good student,” Vito confessed. “I couldn’t and evolving. get into my uncle’s conservative style.” A “I’m in this for life,” Vito said. Sensing Vito’s leanings, DiPrima hooked him up with James The Stones’ comments so early in his career, and again Burton, whose weekly guitar solos rocked Ricky Nelson’s perfor- a year later at another session, gave him confidence. mances at the close of each TV episode of “The Adventures “It made me feel like I can do this,” Vito said. “That of Ozzie and Harriet.” validation fortified what up to then had just been my “He taught me how to knead the strings and play higher on own perception.” the neck,” Vito said. The Stones wouldn’t be alone in recognizing Vito’s abili- After that, Vito’s guitar education became listening to ties: he frequently performed with 70’s rock royalty, including successful guitarists and learning to play their style – “increasing Little Richard, Bob Seger, Mick Fleetwood, Delaney & my vocabulary,” Vito called it. Bonnie, John Mayall, Bonnie Raitt, Roger McGuinn, Bobby “I struggled to mimic rock pioneer Chuck Berry,” he recalled. Whitlock, Jackson Browne and with many other big names. “When I heard Keith Richards playing it, I could understand it Vito was the lead guitarist of Fleetwood Mac from 1987 better. The Stones were covering a lot of blues tunes and R&B. to 1991. He toured with Seger in 1986-87, and with Raitt in Then I learned about Paul Butterfield, John Mayall and 1977, 1980-81 and 1998-99. Today, he’s still a featured guitar- Eric Clapton.” ist with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, whose first album, Recordings of great guitarists became his teachers. “Blue Again,” earned a 2010 Grammy nomination. “I couldn’t read music,” he said. “I still can’t very well.” That hasn’t stopped him from having an illustrious career – For Vito, growing up near Philly in the 1950s and 1960s and Vito is the recipient of the W.C. Handy Blues Award, has nine being the son of John Vito, a Wildwood, N.J., bar manager, solo CDs and six solo DVDs to his credit, is featured in four was like attending a school for rock. Fleetwood Mac albums and has performed with giants of “Bandstand was the center of the universe for a lot of rock ‘n’ roll since 1972.

10 TOWER | Winter 2013 Rick Vito on guitar legends

Vito had his most complete rock experience when he became lead guitarist of Fleetwood Mac for four years, starting in 1987. “It was the kind of experience that can’t compare to

anything else,” Vito reminisced. “Here was a situation BY THOMAS SHILLEA ’69 PHOTO where I wasn’t just being hired as support, but was being inducted into the group as a member.” KEITH RICHARDS: “Keith It was what he had worked so hard to achieve musi- was my personal hero. He cally, and yet he wasn’t prepared for the business side was a genius at creating of rock. musical signatures that “It’s not a pretty business at all,” Vito revealed. “We are timeless.” see the glory side, the artists and great music, but there’s an entirely different animal on the other side of the desk.” For Vito, staying in touch with reality was as impor- CHUCK BERRY: “He inte- tant as staying in touch with his music. At a Jersey club grated black with white he had been awed by an unknown Jimi Hendrix playing in music, much the same a right-handed guitar left-handed. Vito saw him again, way Elvis did.” after Hendrix had become a guitar god, at major Philly venues. But quickly, Hendrix was gone, snuffed out by a BOB SEGER: “Bob should “ e’re at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City in 1971, and drug overdose. never be underrated as a Where’s (DJ) Ed Hurst,” Vito recalled. “He’s hold- Vito calls himself a survivor. tasteful songwriter and as ing the event. So I go up to him and explain I’m from the “Fame is not necessarily a good thing,” he said. A a guitar player.” area and on my first tour with Delaney & Bonnie. He lot of young kids don’t realize that, sometimes until it’s said, ‘Oh, if you’re from the area, then I guess you know too late.” “He who I am.’ I joked, ‘Yeah, you’re Jerry Blavat.’” Vito has important people in his life: Aimee, his wife MUDDY WATERS: Vito was a senior speech and theatre major when he of 30 years, and their children, Francesco, 29, a chef, influenced the whole decided, six credits shy of his degree, to go pro full-time. and Ara, 19, a pianist, actress and singer. They live in Chicago scene, Chuck He had played in bands since his days in Johnny and the Franklin, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville. Berry and the natural pro- Inspirations, a doo-wop group at Cardinal O’Hara High Recently, Vito created a new persona, King Paris. He gression that followed.” School in Springfield, Delaware County. While at Kutz- and his band, The Hip-notics, accompanied by belly town, he formed the Vito-Valenti Blues Band with singer/ dancers, fuse the sounds of East and West, blues and ERIC CLAPTON: “He has blues harpist Rick Valenti. They played at The Hullabaloo rock, new and old, in what’s called ‘world music.’ the most successful career in Reading, the Third Eye and Illick’s Mill in Bethlehem, Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” with a touch of sitar? as a guitarist in history. and at fraternity parties and student union gatherings at Yeah, that’s it. He influenced more players Lehigh University and KU. They also did a New York “I’m having so much fun with this,” Vito said. So, than any other guitar player.” recording session produced by Todd Rungren, another apparently, are his club audiences, according to a review suburban Philadelphian. on pureguitarmagazine.com. PETER GREEN, FOUNDER Vito introduced himself to and played his tape for Predicting Vito’s future might require King Paris’ Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett before a Philadelphia show crystal ball. There’s the work with the Mick Fleetwood OF FLEETWOOD MAC: while still a KU student. Then he took his guitar with Blues Band, solo work and there are still things he’d “He was the most authentic him for one of their performances at Lehigh University. like to accomplish. white blues player, in my They invited him to sit in. “I could stand more exposure,” he said. “I would mind, ever to come along.” For Rick Vito, musician, the earth moved. feel comfortable with having a record on my own that Only weeks out of KU, Vito was off to Los Angeles, gets out there. Maybe a song in a movie that gets rec- BONNIE RAITT: “We’re the then touring nationally with Delaney & Bonnie. ognized for the level I know personally that I’m at now. same age, we both started in Bob Seger, in album notes, calls Vito’s slide guitar on You just can’t always make these things happen; I still the Northeast and we both “Like a Rock” the best guitar overdub he ever heard. pray about that.” play slide guitar. We have Millions of people have heard the song on Chevrolet a lot in common with the truck ads. Vito loved the exposure. people we like musically For more info ... “It was always fun,” he said. “At home, watching TV, + and grew up listening to. Visit Rick Vito online @ my wife would reach over and say, ‘There you are.’ That’s We’re still friends.” really cool. I love it.” www.rickvito.com or www.kingparis.com

Winter 2013 | TOWER 11 FEATURE

BY: Félix AlFonso PeñA

For security reasons no identifiable photos of Miriam Amie could be published. In the Line of Fire

said Amie, who has specialized in covering conflict and “Saddam Hussein really post-conflict scenarios. It’s not a trajectory one would predict for an art educa- changed my life.” tion major, but Amie, a native of Kingston, Pa., credits her KU training with preparing her for this career. MIRIAM AMIE ’76 isn’t kidding; she’s stating a fact. “Kutztown prepared me to think, taught me how to When the Iraqi dictator’s forces overran Kuwait in 1990, observe as an artist,” she said. it thrust Amie, then a part-time reporter for the Associated Those observational skills, she noted, are essential to a Press (AP), into the front line. reporter’s craft. It would put her in harm’s way, in bunkers wondering “In some art classes you had to observe for 20 minutes where the next Iraqi Scud missile would strike, and whether before putting pencil to paper. That laid the groundwork for it bore deadly gas. Once, she needed to scramble for cover much of the work that I did as a journalist. When you com- by a burning oil well in southern Iraq. pose a news story you have to talk to various sources. It’s Eventually, her skills would land her a challenging and like doing a three-dimensional piece of work, four-dimen- dangerous job in Afghanistan’s troubled Kandahar province, sional if through time.” where the Taliban often hold sway and periodic shelling Amie explained that, regardless of the medium, artists was the norm. While there, she worked to improve the lives have to be conscious of how they perceive, the angles they of the local people, especially the women. take, their points of focus. “I never envisioned being a journalist in a conflict zone,” The arc of her career transition started in New York,

12 TOWER | Winter 2013 Miriam Amie where Amie, not particularly keen on teaching at that 1976 unit. She had more freedom, but ran far greater risk. point, was living and working after graduation. At times, Amie traveled with a Kuwaiti oil well “A friend of mine from Kutztown had associates firefighting team, whom she describes as wonderful Graduates from who were working in Saudi Arabia, teaching English friends who would have laid down their lives for her. Kutztown University as a foreign language,” she said. “When they came with a degree in It was with them, in Southern Iraq, after the men had back to visit I was inspired by their stories and by art education. cleared a path through a minefield, where she found their experiences.” herself scrambling for cover across barren ground when She did some research and in 1983 started work on unknown adversaries opened fire on them. her master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language She still remembers sleepless nights in Iraq when at American University in Cairo. rocket attacks drove her and others into bunkers. Amie had always done well in writing classes at KU. In 2011, Amie decided to broaden her horizons, While studying in Cairo, she began writing stories for 1983 becoming strategic communications advisor for USAID Moves to Cairo American newspapers. She wrote about horses (Amie in what is called the U.S. Regional Platform South, to work on a degree in owned four, one being a purebred Arabian) and Bedouin Teaching English as a Kandahar, Afghanistan. Her tasks included helping (nomadic Arab tribes) culture. Foreign Language. mentor government organizations to create broadcasts “My creativity shifted from canvas and sculptures for anti-narcotic efforts and for peace and reconciliation to writing,” she recalled. 1989 among tribes. She also started teaching English classes to native Becomes a contributing Gender violence, she said, was prevalent, and she met Arabic speakers at the university, even after graduating reporter for the women who were battered and otherwise abused. in 1986, and at the U.S. Embassy. In 1987, through an Associated Press. “Part of my job included mentoring Afghan nongov- American company, Telemedia, Amie was teaching ernment organizations to secure U.S. government funds English and developing curriculum for cadets in the to further media and gender development,” she said. “I Egyptian Air Force Academy in Bilbeis. ended up creating the first-ever gender strategy for Two years later, she was in Bahrain, now a contribut- Southern Afghanistan.” ing reporter for the Associated Press. Radio in a box (RIAB) kits, used to set up a complete A year later, Saddam Hussein’s forces rolled into broadcasting station, proved useful at penetrating Kuwait, and the gravity of war exerted its inexorable 1990 ancient walls and reaching geographically isolated pull on Amie’s life and career. Iraq invades Kuwait. populations. “I didn’t ask to get involved in conflict; it just hap- Amie reports for “The women we worked with were always under CNN and CBS pened,” she said. “My focus at AP shifted from banking, threat,” she said. “Some carried weapons. They were during the war and the finance and culture, to flak jackets, chemical suits and post-war period. cloistered. But radio is a driving force. It’s the glue that gas masks. The scary part were incoming Scuds (mis- keeps society together. It makes them feel like they’re siles). Many were landing in Bahrain or in the waters bonded. They can be miles apart but can connect via between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.” cell phone to a radio program and still be anonymous.” Amie points out that while “the Gulf War only lasted Meanwhile, the war continued in fits and spurts, about 100 days, the seven-month build up led to the with periods of daily and nightly shelling, and relatively largest stress.” peaceful stretches in between. Nobody was truly safe. “The tension was more unnerving than the war “It was always hard to hear news that your colleagues itself,” she remembered. “During the war, you’re so 2000 were involved in accidents or hit by an IED (improvised Amie interviews Ayatollah busy. When the conflict finally came to a head it was Sayed Mohammed Baqir explosive devise),” she said. al-Hakim in Kuwait. almost a relief.” He was one of the In September 2012, Amie left USAID and returned Nonetheless, post-conflict Iraq was action-packed, most influential Shia to Kuwait, her headquarters for much of the past 25 Muslim spiritual leaders she said, with threats from Saddam, border issues, oil with millions of followers years, where she has been doing stories for Platts. in Iraq and Iran. well fires and oil smuggling. How does she do it? How does she handle the stress Her employers varied over the next few years: she 2011 of conflict and a deadline-intensive industry? covered Kuwaiti reconstruction for a U.S.-based think “Wherever I set up my home and my office, home Becomes a tank, Pasha Publications; she set up and managed a strategic always becomes my retreat,” she said. “I come back to Kuwaiti news bureau for United Press International communications decompress, have some downtime and recharge my bat- (UPI); Deutsche Presse-Agentur hired her twice to advisor for USAID. teries. I believe that my years of practicing yoga have cover events from Kuwait; and she joined Platts, the helped me cope and maintain stability while working in energy division of McGraw-Hill Financial in 2000. conflict zones. I love taking care of animals. That is the That’s in addition to freelancing for CNN, CNN domestic side of me. I had horses when I was in Egypt, International, CBS “60 Minutes,” CBS Radio and 2012 and I have my cats with me now. ” Washington Newsdesk. Amie is happily married to her career. Returns to Kuwait. During the 2003 Iraq War, she was a unilateral “My work is my life and I like that. I get up like a reporter, as opposed to one embedded with a military fireman every day, ready to do the job.”

Winter 2013 | TOWER 13 BACK TO CLASS WITH ... BILL BATEMAN RANDY SCHAEFFER

The love BILL BATEMAN and of Coke bottles, pocket mirrors, tape measures, clickers, RANDY SCHAEFFER ’72 have for whistles, tie clips, cuff links, money clips, pins, a shoe brush, all things Coca-Cola is the real thing. a metal match safe (back in the day when they could ignite That’s stunningly obvious from the from the friction within the box) and much more. moment one walks into their elegant A pressed-wood wall clock, dated between 1894 and 1897, home, passing beneath a globular glass mimics the look of cast iron and proclaims the “Ideal Brain Coca-Cola shade, circa 1915-1920, into Tonic,” “Specific for Headache” and “Relieves Exhaustion.” spacious rooms decorated with numerous Among the unique pieces in the collection is an 1887 museum quality artifacts dating back to 1887, the second year metal sign urging one to “Drink Coca-Cola for headache,” of the soft drink company’s existence. the only such item known to exist. Everywhere one looks, Coke is it. Elsewhere, a ceramic urn for pouring Coke syrup, circa 1900, Schaeffer, who has been teaching math at KU for 25 years, shows how the drink was originally served by apothecaries: was recently awarded the Arthur and Isabel Wiesenberger Poured from spigots on the side into small glasses with a line Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and elected to that indicated the level of syrup (one ounce). The glass was the Alumni Association Board of Directors. then filled with carbonated water. Bateman retired from Kutztown University in 2007 after Among the oddities are watch fobs with swastika decora- teaching math and computer science for 41 years. tions, from the 1920s and 1930s. “This is the only serious thing I do,” Bateman said, smiling. “The swastika was a symbol of good luck before the Nazis Serious, indeed. Their collection, the largest in private appropriated it,” Schaeffer explained. hands, fills three stories of a turn-of-the-century house in In contrast to the small items stored in glass-topped display Reading, Pa. Much of it is memorably beautiful. cases and numerous drawers, large cardboard cutouts designed In the parlor, dedicated to art from 1910 and earlier, for window displays dominate one room. A Norman Rockwell calendars featuring beautiful young women – Bateman and creation shows a boy fishing on a summer day, sipping a Coke. Schaeffer refer to them as “our girls” – grace the walls. Hollywood is here, too, represented by Maureen O’Sullivan, “From the very beginning, they made beautiful girls Jackie Cooper and Wallace Beery enjoying their Cokes. part of their advertising,” Schaeffer said. Among them is The partners’ collection and expertise was the subject of Bateman’s favorite: a 1904 calendar with Lillian Nordica, the their 1995 book: “Coca-Cola: The Collector’s Guide to first American opera star. Schaeffer’s favorite is Hilda Clark; New and Vintage Coca-Cola Memorabilia.” he and Bateman even made a pilgrimage to visit her gravesite The soft drink giant recognizes the pair’s accomplishments. in New York state. They have attended Coca-Cola events in Atlanta, the compa- Most touching, perhaps, is the tale behind the fringed lamp- ny’s headquarters, a number of times. Some 37 years ago they shade, dated to 1911, hanging in the landing of the stairwell. visited the company archivist, and in 2007 they were invited BY: “The lampshade hung over a soda fountain at a drugstore to the opening of the World of Coke museum. FÉLIX in Columbus, Ohio,” Schaeffer said. “When they tore the “We were treated as if we were employees,” Schaeffer recalled. ALFONSO PEÑA place down in the 1960s, they asked the man who worked The two value the camaraderie with fellow collectors, there as a soda jerk if he wanted anything. He said, ‘I stood forged over decades, and they love what Schaeffer called “the PHOTOGRAPHY BY: under that light all my working life. I’d like to have it.’” thrill of the hunt.” DAN Z. The man, who lived in poverty, kept the shade in his tiny What now? There are new items to be had, such as the JOHNSON apartment. Better than money, it brought him visitors, people share cans used in an advertisement in Singapore, two cans who wanted to look at it or buy it. After his death, Bateman sold together that can be separated, and they want to complete and Schaeffer purchased it at an Ohio auction. their collection of calendars. Not all the purchases have such memorable stories. After No calendars for the years 1893 to 1895 are known to all, they include countless bottles, coolers, a vending machine, still exist, said Bateman, “but we have guesses about where premiums for retailers and salespeople, and myriad promo- they might be.” tional items bearing the company logo: pencils, matchbooks, If anyone can unearth this lost artifact, it’s Schaeffer buttons, playing cards, jewelry, perfume bottles in the shape and Bateman.

14 TOWER | Winter 2013 BILL BATEMAN

RANDY SCHAEFFER KU FOUNDATION UPDATE

Thompson to Lead of the KU Foundation board. “Tracey has a KU Foundation & proven track record of success, and we are looking forward to working with her to complete Alumni Engagement the Setting the Stage Campaign and to build for the future.” Thompson brings more than 20 years of Following a compre- advancement experience to the position from hensive national her time spent working within both higher search, the Board education institutions and nonprofit organiza- of Directors of tions. Most recently, Thompson served as vice Kutztown University president for Institutional Advancement at Foundation named Antioch University New England in Keene, Tracey L. Thompson N.H., where she implemented an alumni as executive director, outreach program, oversaw the growth of effective Sept. 1, the annual fund and unrestricted giving and 2013. helped create a robust culture of philanthropy. Thompson will be responsible for providing “I am so proud to join the team at the institutional leadership for the foundation, and Kutztown University Foundation & Alumni will oversee all fundraising, alumni engagement, Engagement,” Thompson said. “I am looking and development operations. As executive forward to helping the foundation complete director, she will work with President Cevallos, the Setting the Stage Campaign and achieve alumni, and the entire KU community to further new heights of success in advance of KU’s the foundation’s philanthropic mission and sesquicentennial in 2015-2016.” provide support for the university, its students, Thompson has bachelor’s degrees in faculty and staff. journalism and broadcasting/film from the “We think that Tracey’s outstanding leadership University of Maine and a master’s degree experience and her strong vision will help grow in management from Cambridge College the foundation and enhance its ability to support in Cambridge, Mass. KU,” said JAMES ZELLNER ’86, president

CAMPAIGN NEARS 94% $15 MILLION GOAL OF GOAL The Kutztown University Foundation & Alumni Engagement is pleased to announce that as of Sept. 26, 2013, Setting the Stage, the Campaign for Kutztown University, has raised more than $14.1 million toward the June 2014 goal of $15 million. The foundation is grateful for the generosity and support of the alumni, parents, friends, corpo- rations and organizations who have contributed to the campaign. If you would like to learn more about how you too can participate, $15 $14.1 please visit www.give2ku.org/campaign. million million

WHAT ARE THE CAMPAIGN’S TOP PRIORITIES? Schaeffer Auditorium, Sharadin Arts Building, the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, student scholarships, and both unrestricted and restricted annual funds.

16 TOWER | Winter 2013 KU Alumni Benefits via PSECU

The KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) to offer the KU Alumni During her visit to campus in April, Marguerite Visa credit card. Bierman ’79 presented Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, presi- “The way in which dent, Kutztown University, with a piece of artwork from her private collection. PSECU conducts its business, both as a company and on a one- An Artist’s Legacy to-one level, is com- mendable, particularly for the ways in which L to R: Edward Richmond, CFO, KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement; Ned Eisenhuth ’78, KU MARGUERITE BIERMAN ’79 died it focuses on extending courtesy and care to all Alumni Board of Directors; Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, Oct. 30, 2013, after a courageous battle with its customers,” said Alex Ogeka, director of KU president; Barb Bowker, vice president of cancer. Her generous gift to the university Alumni Engagement. “We are happy to offer marketing, PSECU; Greg Smith, president and has left a legacy of support for women such a great benefit to KU alumni.” CEO, PSECU; Alex Ogeka, director of Alumni entering the field of visual arts. To learn more about the KU alumni credit Engagement; Major Ben Brooks ’79, member, KU Alumni Board of Directors. card from PSECU, please visit www.psecu. Read the full story on page 22. com/kufae.

You can stay connected to the KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. By Stay connecting with the foundation, you’ll never miss announcements regarding alumni events in your area, what’s happening on campus and news about the work of KU students and faculty. To find out how you can stay connected, please visit the Connected foundation’s website at www.give2ku.org.

THE KU ANNUAL FUND: 7% WHY YOUR 12%

PARTICIPATION 11% 44% COUNTS Giving to the KU Annual Fund is the best way for alumni, parents, and friends to support and sustain all the great things happening at KU. 25% Contributions to the fund are allocated to the most integral needs of the university: student scholarships, infrastructure and operations, PROGRAMMING academics, and athletics and programming. By giving to the fund, STUDENT ATHLETICS you send a vote of confidence to KU and participate in a process that ACADEMICS AND DEPARTMENTAL FUNDING continuously strengthens the university. What matters isn’t how much you give, but that you give. If you would like to make a gift to the INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

KU Annual Fund, please visit www.give2ku.org/make-gift. STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Winter 2013 | TOWER 17

CLASS NOTES

The 1960s tented with the commanding officers CROSSROADS Lay Leadership Program as their bugler. at Moravian Theological Seminary, Brenda (Carl) Hanna ’61 and Ed Hanna Bethlehem, Pa. ’62 have been performing their Tana Reiff ’73 wrote new editions puppet show at the Kutztown Folk of nine of her high-interest/low- Harry McGrath ’79 recently joined the Festival for 41 years. Their two readability books, published as the O’Malley, Harris, Durkin & Perry PC law children and six grandchildren all Pathfinders series by Grass Roots firm. Formerly a law clerk for Judge help with the show. The Hannas Press. She has written more than William J. Nealon in the U.S. District were married 51 years in August. 80 titles of fiction and folktale retell- Court for the Middle District of Pa., ings aimed at older new readers. he twice led U.S. Sen. Bob Casey’s Donald Sneeder ’61, M ’67 recently judicial selection committee for the John DeVere ’74, M ’78 was awarded exhibited his acrylic paintings at Middle District. Lancaster Galleries. Sneeder has been vice president emeritus status by the Gregory Pinelli ’79, the athletic director exhibiting regionally for more than Reading Area Community College at Bristol High School, has been named 40 years, most recently at the Harrisburg Board of Trustees at its 41st Annual Commencement. Additionally, DeVere, the 2013 recipient of the Robert Art Association and at York’s Gallery who is president of Education & Buckanavage Citation Award. This 234. He has also shown work in Training Solutions LLC, was recently award is presented in recognition of Charlottesville, N.C.; Pittsburgh; a guest speaker at the Regional Pinelli’s exceptional time, energy, and Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. Mechatronics Conference sponsored effort devoted to the Pennsylvania He lives with his partner of 53 years by the Community College of State Athletic Directors Association. in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Allegheny County. He has been married to his wife Lori Desiree D. DeNicola ’69 is the first Ann (Sterner) ’82 for 31 years and they John Dreibelbis ’74 is celebrating female mayor for the Borough of have five children: Stephanie, Gregory, 40 happy years of marriage, three Roseto, located in Northampton, Pa. Matthew, Michael, and Anthony. successful children, three healthy DeNicola served in the U.S. Army grandchildren, 38 years as marketing and U.S. Army Reserves for seven manager or director at five prominent years and taught in the Bangor Area KU RECOGNIZED FOR international companies and life in School District for 30 years, retiring the warm South. EXCELLENCE in June 1999. Kim Edwards ’74 is the director of The 1970s finance for the Lehigh Valley Economic KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY WAS LAUDED BY Jacqueline (Greene) Thomas ’71, a Development Corporation (LVEDC). THREE ORGANIZATIONS LAST SUMMER . fiber artist for more than 50 years, Edwards joins LVEDC after working the U.S. News and World Report declared KU a “Best recently earned the National Art last 15 years as director of the financ- Regional University.” Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning Education Association Retired Art ing assistance program at the Lehigh into civilian life, awarded the university the title Educator of the Year award. As part University Small Business Development of “Military Friendly School,” while The Princeton Center. He has worked 36 years in the of her honor with the art association, Review designated KU a “Best in the Northeast.” lending industry. she will write for various publications. She is also creating a new art series Geraldine (Burne) Margin ’74 retired called “Twisted Sister.” as superintendent of schools in Richard Pawling ’73 is now the chief Manasquan, N.J. During her 38-year field musician for the Union Volunteers career in education she has held a Brigade. They have drilled at Neshaminy variety of positions in teaching and State Park and attended the 150th administration in Pennsylvania, anniversary of the Battle of Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey. She Chancellorsville. Pawling recently is married to Rick Margin ’73 and discovered the grave of his great they reside on the water at the Jersey grandfather, Capt. John Davis Pawling, shore. They are avid sailors and have III Corps, Pa. 68th Volunteer Infantry 34-year-old twin sons. Company, for whom Pawling’s late Dr. Jill Peters ’75 received her doctorate father, formerly a professor at KU, in ministry in June 2013, from the was named. Pawling attended the Biblical Theological Seminary in 150th anniversary of Gettysburg and Hatfield, Pa. Peters directs the

Winter 2013 | TOWER 19 CLASS NOTES

Dr. Ronald Horvath: A Leader in Education

When DR. RONALD HORVATH ’60, M ’66 retired as the president recalled. “Gladys worked on The Keystonia. We went out for of Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), located coffee. After our second date, I told my roommate ‘I’m going in Louisville, Ky., he left a legacy of excellence. During his to marry that girl.’” 20-year tenure, from 1975 to 1995, Horvath was named one of As editor of The Keystone, Horvath reported on the sweeping the top 50 community college leaders in the nation and JCTC push for Pennsylvania to provide more resources for teacher was ranked second on education institutions. In 1960, his graduation year, he saw a list of America’s best the transformation of Kutztown State Teachers College to community colleges. Kutztown State College. In 1983, he rejoiced when KU achieved If you ask him about university status. the secret of his success, “Institutions around the state have really prospered as he’ll tell you it was the universities, as exemplified by KU,” he said. “KU was relatively people around him. small; there were only 900 students when I graduated. There “I had such wonderful, was an excellent faculty, particularly in English, and I got to talented people working know a lot of people. They all had a positive impact on my life.” with me and for me,” Although his path took him from the classroom to administra - Horvath explained. “I tion, Horvath never gave up on his first love — teaching. always tried to involve “I’ve always enjoyed being in the classroom,” he said. “The faculty in any direction students I met were truly inspirational. One woman was 86 years the college would take old when she graduated from JCTC in 1983! She had a straight Dr. Ronald Horvath (far right) during Family and, most importantly, ‘A’ grade point average, never missed a class and graduated Day 1975, his first year as president of Jefferson I was willing to listen first in her class. When she walked across the stage, 100 of her Community and Technical College. to them. The faculty closest friends were shouting for her. I joined in.” at JCTC set an excellent Horvath and Gladys have endowed the Dr. Ronald J. and example for the students. Their commitment to students Gladys (Albright) Horvath Scholarship at KU, which provides reminded me of the professors I had at KU.” scholarship assistance to the editors-in-chief of The Keystone Horvath credits the trajectory of his successful career to Newspaper and The Keystonia Yearbook — an homage to serendipity — he always happened to be in the right place at the story of their love. the right time. “My favorite memories are A love for English led him to obtain his bachelor’s degree in of being with Gladys at KU,” English at Kutztown, and a talent for teaching made pursuing a Horvath reminisced. “A sacred master’s degree in education the next logical step. Horvath part of me says that with- taught for seven years at Parkland High School before moving out KU, I never would on to become an assistant professor and administrator at have met her, and my Lehigh County Community College. In 1973, after he received life just wouldn’t have an Ed.D. in educational administration from Lehigh University, been the same.” the sky was the limit. His credentials earned him a position as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Broome Community College (N.Y.), where he was also acting president (in 1975), and launched “ There was an excellent COURTESY OF JEFFERSON COURTESY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE his career as a visionary leader at JCTC. faculty [at KU] ... “An accumulation of experiences has led me wherever I wanted to go,” Horvath revealed. They all had a positive “I’ve enjoyed my career immensely and made impact on my life.” lots of friends along the way. I’ll always appreci - — DR. RONALD HORVATH ’60, M ’66 ate the support I received from faculty and colleagues — I learned a lot from them.” Serendipity led Horvath to his wife, GLADYS (ALBRIGHT) HORVATH ’62, M ’72. “I was editor-in-chief of The Keystone,” he

20 TOWER | Winter 2013 The 1980s released his ninth book, a collection of David Reimer ’89 released the third stories from Press 53. edition of “Micro-Distilleries in the U.S. Michelle Byrne ’81, an award-winning and Canada,” the only guide dedicated outdoor oil and watercolor artist, was Paul Caputo ’83 was chosen as superin- to North American micro-distilleries. recently featured in PleinAir Magazine. tendent for the Southern Columbia Area The cover art was designed by KU Byrne has had two books of her paint- School District. He lives in Ringtown, Pa., student Jerry F. Cavill, Jr. ’14. ings published and she is currently with wife Michelle and sons Luke (11) and working on a third book. Joel (14). Their son Paul (19) is a freshman Dr. Mark Thomas M ’89 is director of at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. the Schuylkill Choral Society. Thomas Charles Dussinger ’82 is the owner of is teaching a new course for children Penny Lane Graphics, a design studio in Robin Townsley Arcus ’84 is producing who love to sing and hopes to develop Lititz, Pa., and an adjunct instructor at the documentary film “Savoring Sacred a children’s choir, The Minor Notes Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Sound,” a week in the life of choristers Chorale. He has directed the choral Lancaster, Pa., in the Graphic Design/ making music for the glory of God. society for 28 years and has worked Illustration department. David Sharp ’85 served under the New as supervisor of music for the Upper York City Buildings Department, perform- Geoff McCall ’82 is the creative director Perkiomen School District for the ing rapid structural assessments of build- for an agency in the West Chester area. past 14 years. He recently teamed up with fellow KU ings affected by Hurricane Sandy in the alumnus Bill Dussinger ’82, on a project lower Manhattan area. Sharp was previ- The 1990s ously presented with a special Award of for a major pharmaceutical client. They Roger Jackson ’90 has accepted the posi- Appreciation from the National Institute completed five initial deliverables and tion of executive director of the College of Standards & Technology (NIST) for plan to continue working together. Settlement Camp of Philadelphia, the “tireless service in directing the efforts of Lisa (Marino) Oswald ’82 is the presi- Henry J. & Willemina B. Kuhn Day Camp the World Trade Center Steel Recovery dent, owner and founder of Sorrelli and The Outdoor School in Horsham, Pa. Team” in the aftermath of the events Jewelry. Oswald has grown the business which occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Kimberly (Whiteman) Taylor ’90 was from her kitchen table to a $10 million recently promoted to officer in the Human Donald Trexler ’86 has joined New York jewelry company with wares found in Resources Department at the Federal department stores, on Amazon and in Life Insurance Company as corporate vice Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. more than 400 boutiques nationwide. president of claims for the Dallas Service The first Sorrelli national showroom Center. Don and his wife Allison celebrat- Dr. William Ziegler ’93 has been promoted opened this year for retailers in Atlanta. ed their 25th wedding anniversary in June to high school principal at Pottsgrove 2012. They reside with two of their four High School. He is president-elect of the Commander Vito Petitti ’82 retired after children in Plano, Texas. Pennsylvania Association of Elementary/ 25 years of service as an intelligence Secondary School Principals and will officer in the U.S. Navy. After 9/11, Petitti Kenneth Andujar ’87 is the owner of serve as its president in 2014. conducted criminal investigations and Andujar Construction, Inc., a multimillion- counterterrorism operations with Naval dollar commercial construction business. Michael McAllister ’94, senior manager Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Committed to philanthropy, Andujar sup- in ParenteBeard LLC’s corporate gover- During Operation Iraqi Freedom he ports several organizations that provide nance and risk management group, has served as the senior intelligence officer care or services to children who are been appointed to the American Institute for Naval Coastal Warfare in Kuwait and underprivileged, orphans, dealing with of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Iraq. Following his military service Petitti cancer or the incarceration of parents. information technology task force. He is earned a law degree and is now admit- He lives in Charlotte with his wife of 22 a certified public accountant, certified ted to practice law in California and New years and their twin sons (11). information technology professional and Jersey, where he has a divorce media- certified information systems auditor. Kristin (Krumanocker) Pedemonti ’89 tion practice. is an award-winning professional story- Dawn Hoffman ’95, MBA’06 has accepted Curtis Smith ’82, M ’88 celebrated 30 teller and TED Talks Finalist. She travels a position with ITEM Media as marketing years of teaching high school special the world telling stories at festivals, manager. In this role she will oversee all learning. He has had stories and essays events, universities, schools and other marketing efforts for the publishing com- appear in more than 75 literary journals. venues. She performed in Warsaw, pany’s three technology titles, including Smith has been cited by The Best Poland and Nairobi, Kenya at their Interference Technology, Electronics American Short Stories, The Best storytelling festivals. In summer 2013 Cooling, and Environmental Test & American Mystery Stories and The Pedemonti volunteered in Kenya, Ghana Design, as well as their consumer title, Best American Spiritual Writing. He and India. Tea Magazine.

Winter 2013 | TOWER 21 CLASS NOTES

Todd Davies ’96 was hired as assistant boys tennis coach at Wyomissing Jason Dugan ’99 recently assumed superintendent for the Exeter Township Area High School. the position of assistant scout executive/COO with the Pacific Skyline, School District. Daniel Stephens ’96 has been named Boy Scouts of America in Foster Grant Ervin ’96 is the public safety vice president for National Penn Capital City, Calif. Geographic Information System (GIS) Advisors (NPCA). In his role, Stephens program manager for the city of will be responsible for providing retire- Vali G. Heist M ’99 owns ‘The Clutter Philadelphia. Recently, the team ment plan consulting and portfolio Crew,” a business that helps clients he manages won the 2013 Special management solutions for defined organize their lives. She’s a certified Achievement in GIS Award from the contribution plans. He is a Qualified professional organizer and has self- Environmental Systems Research 401(k) Administrator through the published a book, “Organize This! Institute (ESRI) and will present at American Society of Pension Profes- Practical Tips, Green Ideas, and the ESRI user conference in San sionals & Actuaries. Ruminations About Your Crap.” Diego. Ervin has been selected to William Bowen ’97 recently accepted the Clark Zimmerman ’99 was awarded present the morning plenary session position of principal at Gwynedd Square the Lincoln Forum Teacher Scholar- as the first user story. Elementary School. He started his career ship, which recognizes excellence in in 1997 as a fifth-grade teacher in the Daniel Smith M ’96 is a fifth grade history education. Zimmerman is the Philadelphia School District before teacher at West Reading Elementary chairperson of the Hamburg Area teaching in the Central Bucks and School. He lives in Cumru Township High School’s Department of Social Palisades districts. with his wife, Karen, and son, Quentin Studies, where he teaches American (15). He and his family love to travel, Nathan Shultz ’98 unveiled Nouveau Civics, American History and Ameri- and they have been to 27 of the 30 Dental Studio in Jan. 2012, in his Spring can Comparative Government and major league baseball stadiums. Township home. He specializes in high Politics, in addition to coaching Smith also serves as the assistant quality and aesthetic dental restorations. varsity golf and softball.

ANNOUNCING The Marguerite Bierman ’79 Why Not Dare, Dream, Feel and Do Mentorship Fund FOR THE COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

After her cancer diagnosis in 2011, MARGUERITE BIERMAN for women entering the field of visual arts. This schol- ’79 threw herself into art. arship will enable students majoring in studio arts or “I wasn’t afraid to die, but I was frustrated my life crafts to obtain experience working with professionals would evaporate and that would be it,” she revealed. “I in the field and access to a mentoring relationship. The have an extreme urgency to do, feel, get out and try.” goal is to allow students to gain an understanding of Bierman reached out to KU last year and offered to the interplay between the studio art profession and donate artwork from her personal collection, by promi- fullness of life in all aspects. nent artist MICHAEL KESSLER ’78. After visiting the cam- “This is a transformative donation that allows us pus in April 2013 (pictured at right), she met with several to provide expanded opportunities for our students faculty members and was impressed with the Fine Arts and faculty,” Hochberg said. “Starting in fall 2013, Department. At the start of her career, Bierman struggled Bierman’s endowed scholarship will provide for four as a woman in a largely male-dominated field. The signif- mentoring projects.” icant number of tenured female faculty in KU’s Fine Arts Bierman, who died Oct. 30, was a decorative Department, including the department chair, professor painter and well known for her large public works, Cheryl Hochberg, demonstrates how far the field has which are displayed in a number of buildings around come in eliminating gender bias. Williamsport, Pa. Selections of her paintings can A generous gift from Bierman has established an be viewed in the gallery section of her website, at endowed fund to provide encouragement and support www.margueritebierman.com.

22 TOWER | Winter 2013

The 2000s book, Hoffman wrote an article that was Scholarship. Jacques received the award published in the Keystone State Reading at Cabrini’s Faculty Research and Dr. Timothy B. Coyle ’00 completed a Association (KSRA) newsletter and has Scholarship Reception on May 2. three-year medical fellowship in pulmo- been invited to give a presentation at nary and critical care at the University of Michelle (Mellon) Maloney ’03 has joined the KSRA Conference. Since the publi- Connecticut’s School of Medicine. Coyle Hanley Center as executive director of cation of her book, Hoffman has been will serve on the university’s hospital treatment services. In her new role at the involved in book-signing events through- medical staff in pulmonary and critical nonprofit addiction treatment center in out the area. Hoffman and her husband care, and also on the faculty as an asso- West Palm Beach, Maloney will oversee of 10 years, Jared, own All-Points ciate professor. Coyle, a 2006 graduate all programming, staff supervision and Towing, Recovery and Service Center in of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic training for on-site residential and outpa- Jim Thorpe, Pa. They are the parents of Medicine, completed his residency in tient clinical services. three children: Megan (8); Jocelyn (5); internal medicine at Lehigh Valley Jeanine Metzler M ’03 has received the and Sawyer (4). Regional Hospital and served as chief Christensen Award for Excellence in resident from 2005 through 2010. His Jaime Wohlbach ’00 has traveled the Teaching from Northampton Community research has been published in the world playing softball and coaching College, Bethlehem, Pa. She is an associ- National Journal of Asthma. teams. She is in her third year as head ate professor of accounting. coach for the University of Delaware Sherry Hoffman ’00, a teacher at Sara Gerhart ’05, M ’10 recently joined softball program. Since 2002, Wohlbach Lehighton Area Middle School, wrote the Pennsylvania Department of Educa- has run a national and international soft- her first book, “A to Z Character Educa- tion as the school library development ball clinic called Fastpitch Performance. tion for the Classroom,” and had it advisor. In this role, Gerhart will provide published. The activity book teaches Nicholas Jacques ’01, assistant professor leadership and expertise to school the “bucket-filling concept” while incor- of studio art at Cabrini College, is the library personnel, classroom teachers porating reading skills. In addition to her 2013 recipient of the Buzzallino Faculty and administrators. In addition, she will serve as the Act 48 coordinator and school library liaison for the POWER Library Project and Pennsylvania Electronic Library Catalog program.

Travis Bieber ’06 accepted a position as supervisor for the audit services group at Reinsel Kuntz Lesher, LLP, in Reading, Pa.

Andrew Colbert ’06 and artist Takeshi Arita led a crew of artists and artist representatives to install artwork from the estate of the late transformative modern artist Sol LeWitt to the first floor of the Einstein Medical Center, Montgomery, Ala.

Mary Kate Schneider ’06 has received a Fulbright Award to conduct disserta- tion research on education in Bosnia- Herzegovina. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in government and politics at the University of Maryland.

Christina Steffy ’06, ’09 is a member of the College and Research Division of the Pennsylvania Library Association, which recently launched a scholarly, open access journal to share information about the research and practices taking place in Pennsylvania’s academic libraries.

Winter 2013 | TOWER 23 CLASS NOTES

Preserving Pennsylvania’s German Heritage

PATRICK DONMOYER’S ’09 research has taken him down every Donmoyer pursues the task of reviving public and scholarly road in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The site manager, building interest in Pa. Dutch folk art with seemingly endless energy. If he conservator and exhibit specialist for the Pennsylvania German isn’t working on the heirloom kitchen garden at the center, conduct- Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, Donmoyer has ing research or working on his next book, then he’s scouring eBay spent the past five years investigating the prevalence and signifi- and other venues to rediscover lost manuscripts and private diaries. cance of barn stars in Southeastern Pa. Also known as hex signs, One original manuscript unearthed by Donmoyer contained hun- the stars, characterized by geometric designs, intricate spirals dreds of handpainted hex sign designs. Inspired by the discovery, Donmoyer revived the hex signs exhibit during the 2013 annual Kutztown Folk Festival, giving new life to “ As an artist, I’m drawn a display that had vanished more than 40 years ago. to geometry and interested “Finding ways this culture can be celebrated is really important,” Donmoyer explained. “There’s meaning in in symbolism.” it for everyone — whether it’s recognizing your own — PATRICK DONMOYER ’09 diversity or being able to reconnect with your own heritage. I’ve learned new perspectives on how the world and explosions of vibrant color, are unique cultural artifacts that works. My hope is that my own work will inform how other reflect the Pennsylvania Dutch fascination with celestial activity. people perceive the Pa. Dutch culture.” Donmoyer, who majored in studio art and fine crafts, with At only 28, Donmoyer has been invited to give more concentrations in printmaking and textiles, and minored in than 50 presentations on his research and has two books Pennsylvania German studies, discovered that the signs serve under his belt. His latest publication, “Myth and as artistic and cultural emblems. Meaning in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars,” boasts a “As an artist, I’m drawn to geometry and interested in special forward by Dr. Don Yoder, the world’s fore- symbolism,” revealed Donmoyer. “To have a resource like this most authority on Pennsylvania folklife. In the in Berks County — to be able to see hex signs in public — is future, Donmoyer hopes to expand on his unique. It’s really amazing art, but there are not that many research and further investigate visual symbol- places in the U.S. where you can see them. None of the hex signs ism in the Pa. Dutch culture. are signed; they represent a people and not an individual artist. “I plan to expand beyond barn stars,” he said. I’ve dabbled with painting them myself.” “Something that hasn’t been done is compre- KU’s resident expert on all facets of Pa. Dutch culture, Donmoyer hensively connecting symbolic themes present has discovered more than 400 signs in Berks County alone. Prior in the culture. Examining early graffiti, for example, to his investigation, people believed there were only 200 surviv- might uncover marks not intended for the light ing signs in the county. Today, he continues to take photos of of day. I’m also interested in personal artwork in local barns to map the local landscape and document any barn private diaries, elaborately decorated tombstones renovations that might be taking place. and translating local folk healing manuscripts.” This attention to detail is illustrated in all of his research. In 2008, when Donmoyer began his journey into When translating “The Friend in Need,” an early 19th century Pa. the world of folk life and art, he was told that Pa. Dutch folk-healing manual, he created a typeface to correspond Dutch traditions were dying. However, he discovered with the typeface of the original manuscript. that old barn stars were actually being repainted, “I’ve always wanted to learn more about my ancestors,” not destroyed. Today, the excitement generated by said Donmoyer, who has Pa. Dutch heritage. “It’s still alive in Donmoyer’s presentations, publications and growing Berks County. Many aspects of the culture have largely disap- scholarly attention to the field of Pa. Dutch studies peared, especially their earlier practices and perception of the ensures the perpetuation of this unique culture and world. My research attempts to remedy this.” its intriguing artifacts.

24 TOWER | Winter 2013 INMEMORY Kevin Harden, Jr. ’07 was a featured Nick Aspromonte ’11 was promoted as Emma (Knoll) Strause ’22 • 3/28/2013 panelist for the Philadelphia Bar a new managing partner for Walker Josephine (Kercher) Hinkle ’40 • 2/5/2013 Leah (Oswald) Smith ’40 • 3/5/2013 Association’s Chancellor’s Leadership Marketing & Consultants. Martha Ruth Dillenbeck ’41 • 2/18/2013 Institute. Lisa Chickilly ’11 joined the Lehigh Gladys (Spatz) Long ’42 • 1/16/2013 Anna Werner ’43 • 12/11/2012 Valley Financial Group, a general Cory Porrino ’07 has been promoted Janet (Copeland) Silvers ’44 • 3/7/2013 to manager at ParenteBeard LLC. agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Shirley (Stafford) Bridges ’45 • 1/11/2013 Insurance Co., as a financial services Lee Bierly ’47 • 12/22/2012 Kristen (White) Greenawalt ’09 has professional. Shirley (Sonon) Rife ’47 • 5/15/2013 completed a mural in the stairwell J. Richard Fox ’48 • 3/11/2013 of the Conshohocken Free Library. Terri Lomax ’11 graduated with her Miriam (Rollman) Irwin ’48 • 5/20/2013 Arline (Gaby) Bucks ’49 • 2/5/2013 Greenwalt served as a long-term substi- master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution from Salisbury Mary (Powers) Hill ’49 • 9/2/2013 tute on the art faculty at Twin Valley James Good ’50 • 7/5/2013 University. She plans to relocate to High School in Elverson, Pa., and has Robert Loehrig ’50 • 8/2/2013 New York City, where she will work in been teaching art at the Whitemarsh Joyce Johnson ’51 • 12/9/2012 residence life at St. John’s University. Dorothy (Ludwig) Simmons ’51 • 3/3/2013 Art Center and various secondary schools. She recently launched her personal Windolyn (Lincoln) Stevens ’52 • 2/1/2013 She owns a mural business called “If John Reese ’52 • 3/13/2013 development blog for young women, Your Walls Could Talk.” Lee Sieger ’53 • 2/24/2013 Mocha Girls Pit Stop. Josiah Werner ’53 • 4/27/2013 Joanna (Horstmann) Hayes ’09 accepted James Fairfull ’54 • 2/14/2013 Benjamin Morton ’11 was promoted to a position at Wilson College as the head Charles Trafford ’54 • 6/22/2013 senior accountant at the Lancaster Donald Jones ’56 • 3/31/2013 coach for the men’s and women’s cross location of ParenteBeard LLC. John Holingjak ’56 • 8/6/2013 country teams. Charlene (Bellman) Jopp ’59 • 4/9/2013 David Blisard ’12 won ‘The First Class John Clifford ’62 • 2/16/2013 Emily Hopkins ’09 was sworn in as Teacher of the Year’ award at North D. Jane (Turner) Bair ’62 • 2/20/2013 an officer at the Whitemarsh Police Dorchester High School, Md. The award Eva (Peters) Kline ’63 • 3/3/2013 Carol Shaaber ’66 • 3/5/2013 Department. is a locally sponsored recognition Janice Rahn ’66 • 5/22/2013 Mikal Payne ’09 joined JP Morgan intended for a first-year teacher who Tatjana Ludwig ’66 • 9/6/2013 Private Bank as a trust administrator for has demonstrated exceptional skill Kathryn Shultz ’69 • 1/21/2013 Marilyn (Dibella) Marshall ’69 • 4/8/2013 the Newark, Del., office. Payne and his and dedication. Blisard also received Robert Lesko ’69 • 5/5/2013 a proclamation from both houses of wife Lauren relocated from Buies Creek, Richard Deppen ’73 • 12/9/2012 N.C., so he could accept the position. the Maryland General Assembly and Ronald Schreiner ’73 • 12/23/2012 the City of Cambridge. Richard Hoffman ’73 • 4/8/2013 Matthew Roberts ’09 joined Bean, Patrick Gallagher ’74 • 12/17/2012 Kinney & Korman, P.C., as a land use Sara Keith ’12 traveled to Beijing, Michelle Burylo ’74 • 3/27/2013 and zoning associate. China, last summer, for an international Walter Symons ’74 • 6/10/2013 service learning (ISL) program through Velma (DeTemple) VanLiew ’75 • 6/29/2013 Keith Petruska ’77 • 7/27/2013 Matthew Belcastro ’10 was sworn in as the Rutgers University Social Work a probationary police officer for the Marguerite Bierman ’79 • 10/30/2013 Department. She is currently enrolled Jean Wade ’79 • 6/19/2013 Chatham N.J., Police Department. at Rutgers, The State University of Deborah (Brader) Fernsler ’83 • 8/12/2013 Thomas Funch ’10, founder, videogra- New Jersey, as a clinical social work Sara Gallen ’85 • 6/18/2013 Paula Vinsky ’87 • 2/13/2013 student. pher, editor and producer of FunchFilm, Karen Valeriano ’89 • 2/10/2013 is in the top five percent of wedding Ahmed Awadallah ’13 is pursuing a Laurie (Kurtz) Miller ’92 • 2/28/2013 vendors in the U.S. and Canada. In 2013 master’s degree in International Tina Burkey ’93 • 7/7/2013 Christine Gutekunst ’97 • 12/21/2012 he was one of the winners of Wedding- Relations at the London School of Jennifer Hummel ’99 • 3/3/2013 Wire’s 2013 Brides Choice Awards. Economics. Scott Atiyeh ’04 • 2/3/2013 Kathrine Skinner ’05 • 12/28/2012 Joshua Kortze ’10 • 1/27/2013 Timothy Del Vecchio ’13 • 4/13/2013 DO YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION Jean M. Shapcott ’14 • 7/16/2013 WITH THE ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT OFFICE? Gregory Heifer ’14 • 9/2/2013 Benjamin Galli ’14 • 10/7/2013 Marlene Fowler • 2/4/2013 • friend of the university Please visit: www.give2ku.org/update Anthony Hoffer • 3/1/2013 • staff

George Baldwin • 7/4/2013 • football coach Anyone who updates their information between December 1, 2013 – March 1, 2014 will Jeff Unger • 10/16/2013 • friend of the university be entered to win a $250 Visa Gift Card courtesy of the KU Foundation & Alumni Engagement Office.

Winter 2013 | TOWER 25 1 Alumni, families and students enjoy halftime activities. 2 Homecoming Queen Kelly Hedlund ’14 and King Michael Lawrenson ’14. 3 It was a packed house as Golden Bear football took on East Stroudsburg at University Field. 4 KU Marching Unit drum major 2013 Stephanie Spatz ’15.

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5 Vocal sensation Pentatonix wowed a sold- out crowd in Schaeffer Auditorium. 6 Matthew J. Grider ’94, owner of the Kutztown Tavern, gives College of Business alumni a tour of his brewing facility. 7 Moira O’Connor-Servis ’87, M ’93, president and Lauren and Mikal L. Payne ’09, member, KU Alumni Board of Directors. 8 Keri Brown ’11 and Doofan Tor Agbidye ’10 enjoy the 5th Quarter Party. 9 Teammates of the late George A. Kruse ’77, a member of the KU Athletic Hall of Fame, present his lacrosse jersey to Greg Bamberger, KU director of athletics. 10 Alumni of the Department of Electronic Media pose for a photo during their reunion.

Winter 2013 | TOWER 27 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID READING, PA PERMIT NO. 2000

15200 Kutztown Road Kutztown, PA 19530-0730

ELECTRONIC MEDIA BRINGS HOME AN EMMY

The Kutztown University Department of Electronic Media was awarded a Mid-Atlantic regional Emmy in September for its documentary on Eastern State Penitentiary. Those honored with the award were Ryan Hedrick ’13, producer/videographer; Andrew Donahue ’14, videographer; Shawn Petcaugh ’13, editor; and Helen Bieber, professor of electronic media and department chair, and former professor Andrew Skitko, advisors.

KU garnered four nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. KU swept the Arts, Entertainment and Public Affairs category of College and University Productions.

Ryan Hedricks ’13, producer, and Helen Bieber, KU professor and chair of the Department of Electronic Media, accept the award during a ceremony in Philadelphia.